What I learned from being a bad volunteer....

What I learned from being a bad volunteer....

I would like to think that I am a solid volunteer. Reliable, engaged, helpful, and present. If I look back though, I can think of moments where I was just a shitty volunteer. Is this the type of thing we highlight....well no BUT maybe we should. I can say before these moments and after, I have shown up and been a volunteer in ways I can be proud of. So why share this, you ask? Because leading and being a leader requires us to reflect and acknowledge the moments we missed the mark. As folks start to build their plans and say yes to different opportunities, it's important to make sure you have the time and space to be the volunteer you want to be proud of.

It was in 2020 and I can think of two specific roles where I just was not showing up how I am used to. I was also leading Orientation and other programs during the pandemic, was getting lost in a relationship that wasn't healthy, and just calling it in as a volunteer. I did not show up. I wasn't prioritizing the roles I said yes to. I was holding a seat that someone else could have been in. I had a good friend who was also on one of the boards and said, "Ben, going on?" I will leave out some of their other comments but the basic point is I was now doing what I needed to and they noticed. So I made a change but

So here are some things I encourage you to reflect on as you decide if you say yes or no to a volunteer role:

  • It's a small world: A great volunteer and a bad volunteer are both known, for obviously different reasons. If you are not in the space to actively commit, then it is ok to pass for the time being or to be transparent and take a step back. I have had to learn that and ultimately it shows maturity and awareness by saying no or not right now.
  • Make a plan for your role: Serving as a volunteer is work...it's just unpaid work in most instances. Make sure you keep track of various tasks, balance your day job with your volunteer work, and consider both when making choices. If you are transitioning roles, taking on new responsibilities, etc....then communicate with those you are working with as a volunteer! Trust me, it helps!
  • Learn the value of a strategic yes and no: Yes is only as powerful as the ability to follow through. If you say yes to a committee, but never attend...what does that do for you or those your serving? A no in a moment where you can't give of yourself does good for you and for the organization. I am a joiner...yes is my default, but I have learned the need to say no at times.

LinkedIn provides us a way to share the things we have learned and the experiences we've had. So would love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time,

Ben




Michelle J. Smith, CAE

Facilitating connections through conversations, meetings, and more!

9 个月

Thanks for sharing your perspective, Ben. We’ve all been there but maybe we’ve not all been honest with ourselves or the org we are trying to serve. Hard stop, we can do better. Thanks for the reminder.

Laura Boudon, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education and Director of Education Abroad

9 个月

You make an important point. We have to recognize how much we can take on outside of our professional and personal responsibilities. Sometimes, we have to say no a lot.

Kat Goodman

Empowering Women to Find Their Sense of Belonging

9 个月

Love the “yes is only as powerful as the follow through.” Working with volunteers, I always appreciate the vulnerability it can take and courage to recognize that it’s time to step away from from a volunteer role for whatever reason! If you’re not actively participating and showing up, it isn’t helping anyone! Such a good reminder, thanks for sharing, Ben!

Rachel Simon, MS, CFRE

Director Of Development at Florida State University

9 个月

Hi Ben, you make a great point about the value of being a volunteer both for the organization and the individual. I have also been a bad volunteer and only recently learned about "JOMO" or the Joy of Missing Out. Naming that it is okay to say no and that it can actually be a positive experience, has changed the way I choose to share my time with others. Ultimately, by saying yes to less, I am able make more positive experiences with the people and things I care about.

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